/ 4 February 2012

Management Sciences for Health

Call for Expression of Interest to participate in a program to improve the capacity of regional organizations to respond to the HIV and AIDS epidemic in Southern Africa

Project Background: With support from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID)/Regional HIV and AIDS Program (RHAP), Management Sciences for Health (MSH) is implementing the Building Local Capacity for Delivery of HIV Services in Southern Africa Project (BLC). This five-year project (2010-2015) contributes to strengthening the overall sustainability, quality, and reach of HIV and AIDS interventions in the region. MSH is a leading international not-for-profit organization that has been implementing programs in over 130 countries for the last 40 years. MSH works and collaborates with governments, civil society organizations and other entities to strengthen their leadership and governance capacity to improve overall health service delivery outcomes. To do this, MSH has developed various universally accepted and adaptable approaches and tools to improve the capacity of local organizations to respond to their changing environment and strengthen organizational systems. Therefore, the BLC project builds capacity in civil society and strengthens systems of government entities to design, implement and manage health policies and programs towards improved services for people infected with and affected by HIV and AIDS.

The Capacity Building Program: BLC implementation of this program entails an assessment, development of targeted interventions and training that address the technical, strategic, operational and fi nancial aspects of participating organizations over agreed timeframes. The program provides a holistic customized approach that builds organizations programmatic, leadership and management competencies to respond and manage the HIV epidemic resulting in improved health outcomes in the region. Interested organizations that meet the following eligibility criteria are through this announcement invited to apply.

Eligibility:
To qualify to participate in this program, intending organizations must; – Be legally constituted entities with jurisdiction to implement activities at regional level – Originate, operate and have physical presence in Southern Africa – Have existing programs with a regional scope that contribute to increased HIV and AIDS Prevention, mitigate vulnerability and increase services to orphans and vulnerable children, and/or improved community-based HIV and AIDS care – Demonstrate integration of interventions with HIV and AIDS, Tuberculosis, Maternal and Child Health, Family Planning, or Reproductive Health programs – Be willing to align programs with the USAID Regional Development Cooperation Strategy, National Strategic Plans and PEPFAR Implementation Plans at the country level.

Selection Process and Criteria:
The selection process will conform to the USG procurement Integrity Standards of transparency and fairness. Submitted Expressions of Interest will be scored based on eligibility criteria, responsiveness to the guidelines for submission and relevance to the USAID Regional Development Cooperation Strategy.

Application Procedure:
All interested organizations should fill and submit the online application form at www.blcsouthernafrica.org. An acknowledgement of receipt of applications will be sent to the email address given in the application within 24 hours of receipt. For further information on the application process contact Nomsa Hlangawane, on telephone number, +27 12 364 0400 or email [email protected]

Deadline for submission of applications is 27 February, 2012